FG seeks partnership with Qatar to tackle 15m housing deficit

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, has sought stronger collaboration with the State of Qatar to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and accelerate urban renewal projects across the country.

Darma made the call Friday when he received the Ambassador of Qatar to Nigeria, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Al-Hail, who paid him a courtesy visit.

The minister said a strategic partnership with Qatar would support the federal government’s efforts to provide social housing across the 774 local government areas, and improve urban infrastructure.

He also commended the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Qatar, noting that the ties between both countries had developed beyond formal diplomacy.

Darma expressed appreciation to the Qatari government and its humanitarian organisations for their interventions in different parts of Nigeria, particularly in Katsina, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We know the relationship between Qatar and Nigeria is a strong one and we appreciate Qatar for extending its hands of charity to many citizens of this country.”

“We thank you for the numerous projects you are doing, including my home state of Katsina, in Kaduna, and here in Abuja,” he said.

Darma noted that the mandate of his ministry extended beyond the construction of houses to include urban upgrading and slum renewal aimed at improving living conditions.

He said Nigeria needed about 15 million houses, particularly for vulnerable citizens, and invited the Government of Qatar, Qatar Charity and the Qatar Fund for Development to support efforts to bridge the gap.

“We do not only develop houses, we also do urban upgrade to improve the living conditions of the people. We need about 15 million houses for the vulnerable Nigerians,” he said.

The minister therefore urged Qatari institutions to expand their interventions from state-level projects to federal-level partnerships with the ministry in support of the housing and urban development objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Both sides agreed to explore a framework for technical cooperation and investment in affordable housing and urban renewal projects.